Last updated Feb. 11, 2023 by Peter Jakes
Cash flow issues can arise if you have multiple paydays spread throughout the month. Such problems also arise if all of your bills are due at the same time. You may be asking how to change your credit card due date. Credit card due dates can be changed to help alleviate this issue and improve your financial situation.
You may believe that the date for your credit card payment is inflexible. Even if it is written in pencil, your credit card company is usually willing to work with you on this.
Why would you want to change the due date of your credit card payment?
The simple answer: some people like having their bills all due on the same day or in sync with their pay period. Also, others prefer to have them spaced out evenly throughout the month or quarter. This and other reasons are why you should consider changing your credit card due date.
How Your Credit Card Billing Cycle Works
Before you can make a decision, you must first understand how your billing cycle works. Credit cards typically have billing cycles ranging from 20 to 45 days, with the average being 30 days.
The catch is that these cycles can begin and end at any time of the month, so your due date could end up being the 1st, 13th, or 29th, depending on your card.
Your credit card due date will be after your billing cycle ends, and the time between the closing date of your statement and your due date is known as your grace period.
Credit card issuers are required to give cardholders this 21-day period to pay their credit card bill once their monthly statement closes under the Credit CARD Act of 2009.
However, you should be aware that a grace period is not always granted. Not only do some credit cards not provide one, but when you use your credit card for a cash advance, you forfeit your grace period on funds you withdraw.
In any case, it may be in your best interest to adjust your credit card due date to better suit your needs and schedule.
Changing your credit card’s due date is usually a simple process that can be handled with a quick phone call to your card issuer’s customer service number, which is usually located on the back of the card. Some credit card companies, such as Personal Capital, allow you to change your due date online or through a mobile app.
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Why You Should Change Your Credit Card Due Date
Changing your credit card due date may offer the following benefits:
1. You might be able to gain some financial leeway.
There are many other vendors, like your utility provider, who are likely to be rigid when it comes to financial statements’ due dates. Your credit card’s due date can be shifted to a time of the month when you have fewer financial obligations. This will also help you manage other financial obligations without them being a bottleneck to you.
2. Possibly, you can improve your credit health.
Changing your credit card due date can help you set your payment due date on a day that is convenient for you and your budget. For instance, Scheduling your due date right after receiving a direct deposit or paycheck. Paying your bills on time can have a significant impact on your credit score.
3. You might be able to save money more efficiently.
Many financial experts advise people to “pay themselves first” by putting money away for the future. Consequently, you’ll have more money in the bank and also stick to savings goals if you change the due date of your payments.
4. To spread out the cost of a purchase.
Even if you have an elephant’s memory and top-notch organization abilities, you may find yourself short on cash when the time comes to pay the bills. If all of your bills fall on the same day, it can be inconvenient for both you and your wallet.
Also, spreading out your payments over a longer period may be the best option if this describes your current financial situation. Freelancers and gig workers who don’t have set hours or paychecks and rely on a fluctuating income may benefit most from this method of billing.
5. To avoid accruing interest.
It’s possible to shift the interest grace period of your payments. This is the period between your last billing cycle and your due date.
During this time, the credit card company will not apply the accrued interest to the account. Additionally, you won’t be charged interest on that statement if you pay the entire balance in full by your credit card’s due date for payment.
If you refuse a huge sum of money like a bonus or a large commission check, you’ll be using this money to pay off a large credit card debt. As it was delivered after the due date, you will be charged interest for the entire month.
You can avoid accruing interest by making your next credit card payment after you’ve received the funds you’re expecting.
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Other Benefits of Changing Your Credit Card Due Date
Changing your due date doesn’t really allow you to skip a billing statement. However, it may result in other benefits. Below are some other pros of changing a credit card’s due date:
- Online/mobile app: Some credit cards companies, like Borrowell, Nav, and Revolut, allow you to change your due date online. However, others allow you to do so through mobile apps.
- Phone: A quick call to your card issuer’s customer service line can quickly change the due date of a credit card payment.
Because not all months have these dates, most credit card companies will not let you change your due date to the 29th, 30th, or 31st. Many will have a deadline for changing the date. Hence, calling the day before your due date to request a change that month may be impossible.
Steps to Changing Your Credit Card Due Date
Step 1: Select a convenient date
The first step in changing your credit card due date is picking a date that makes the most sense for your finances.
If you get paid every two weeks, it’s best to have some bills due on the first of the month or soon after and some bills due around the 15th or soon after. This lets you better match up when you get paid and when bills are due.
Step 2: Calculate your monthly bills and shift the due date to the time you pay fewer bills.
Calculate how much you owe on your bills each month and when those bills are due. Shift your credit card due date to a period when you are paying the least amount of money toward your bills. That way, you won’t have all the highest payments due at the same time of the month
Step 3: Catch up on any past due balance
Before you can change your credit card due date, you might have to pay off any past-due balances. Some card companies, like Chase, need your account to be up-to-date before making the change.
Step 4: Talk to your Credit Card issuer if you’ve fallen behind on payments
If you’ve fallen behind on your payments and can’t afford to catch up immediately? Talk to your credit card company about making payment arrangements or enrolling in a hardship plan.
Step 5: Contact your Credit card Issuer for any confusion
Call your credit card company’s customer service department using the phone number on the back of your card. They’ll ask you for your preferred due date and then make the adjustment. You may also be able to make the change yourself if you have access to your account’s login information.
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After Changing Your Credit Card Due Date
It may take several billing cycles for the new due date to take effect. Keep paying close attention to the payment due date on your billing statement to ensure on-time payments. Once your new due date becomes effective, you will have that date every month thereafter.
If the first billing cycle after you change your payment due date is longer than usual, the finance charge on your first statement may be higher. Don’t fret.
On your next billing statement, your finance charge and minimum payment will return to more typical amounts.
What If You’re Unable to Change Your Due Date?
However, if your due date is set in stone, you have the option to change it yourself. If your income is stable enough, try to be more proactive about paying your monthly bills.
For instance, your rent or your car installment is likely to be due on the first day of every month. However, if you prefer, you can pay your rent on the last day of the month. Any bills that can’t be changed can be used in the same manner. In this case, paying early rather than late is crucial.
Account Statement Closing Date
Due date changes don’t necessarily affect statement closing dates. When your credit card company reports your credit utilization to the credit bureaus, that’s when the reporting period comes to an end.
Remember that your credit utilization affects your credit score. Your credit score rises in direct proportion to the amount of available credit you haven’t used.
If your statement closes on the 28th of the month, for instance, your credit card issuer will report your balance to the credit bureau on that date. Regardless of when you pay your bill, your credit utilization score is based on how much you owe on the last day of the month.
Additionally, the above affects you irrespective of how much you owe on an average day. When deciding when to make a payment, also keep this in mind.
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Steps to Change Your Credit Card Due Date in Known Banks
Instructions on changing due dates at major financial institutions can be found here. It’s important to remember that credit card companies routinely update their websites. Hence, these instructions may differ slightly from what you find there but they should be close enough.
1. Bank of America
For Bank of America credit cards, you cannot currently request a new due date online. However, you can contact customer service to request a new date.
- Simply dial the number printed on the back of your card or go to the Bank of America webpage.
2. American Express
Your payment due date can be changed once every three billing cycles.
- Log in, then click “Payments” close the top of the page.
- Close the end of the page, and select the “Change Monthly Payment Due Date” link.
3. Barclays/Barclaycard
You can select a date range for your credit card bill, ranging from the beginning of the month to the end.
- Log in and then, near the top of the page, tap the “Services” button.
- In the drop-down menu, select “Change payment due date.”
- Select the “Change payment due date” link on the next pop-up screen.
4. Capital One
Capital One due date changes can take up to two billing cycles to take effect.
- Log in and then, near the top of the page, tap the “Services” checkbox. (Alternatively, visit their website.)
- Change the payment due date by clicking the “Change Payment Due Date” checkbox.
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5. U.S. Bank
To alter the due date of your payment, get in touch with U.S. Bank customer service. Doing it online is not an option for now. When the next billing cycle comes around, the change will take effect.
6. Chase Bank
- Log in and go to the top of the page and select the “Things you can do” button.
- Select “Update settings and preferences.”
- Tap on the “Payment due date” button from the drop-down menu.
7. Credit One
Credit One (not to be confused with Capital One) credit cards have a customer service number you can call to request a new due date. The first billing period must have passed before requesting a refund. Six days before or after the original due date is acceptable. Every six months, a new payment due date can be selected.
- Log in and then select “Settings” from the menu or at the top of the page.
- Select the “Payment Due Date” option.
8. Citi/Citibank
Due dates are available at the beginning, middle, and end of the month.
- Log in and then click the account menu icon in the upper right corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- On the Settings page, click the “Manage Payment Due Date” link.
9. Discover
You will not be able to change the due date of your credit card payment to a weekend.
- Log in and go to the top and click the “Activity & Payments” button.
- In the drop-down menu, select “Change Payment Due Date.”
10. Wells Fargo
You can change the due date on your Wells Fargo credit card online or by calling customer service. Changes to Wells Fargo’s due dates may take up to two billing cycles to take effect.
- Log in and go to the “Accounts” tab.
- Click “Manage Card,” followed by “Credit Card Service Center.”
- Choose the correct card account.
- “Change Your Payment Due Date” will appear.
The Bottom Line
Bills like rent, mortgage, and car payments are difficult to rearrange, but credit card companies are more accommodating. There are times when a different due date would be more convenient for you and your family.
Changing your credit card payment due date is not a difficult task, whether it is to align with your payday, consolidate payments, spread out payments, avoid large recurring bills, or avoid interest charges. You can make the change online or over the phone if your credit card company allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change the due date on my credit card bill?
Changes to your statement due date may be permitted by your bank or credit card issuer. However, you may only be permitted to make one or two per year. Changing the payment due date on your credit card can give you more budgeting options, like making your payment on the same day as your paycheck.
Q: How do I move my credit card’s due date
Your financial situation can be more manageable by altering the due date on your credit card bill. Find a convenient due date by comparing it to the dates of your other bills and paychecks. Then get in touch with your credit card company.
Q: How long does it take for a due date change to come into effect?
Changes to the due date of credit card statements will take time to take effect. If you request a date change, it usually takes 1 or 2 billing cycles for the new date to take effect. You’ll have to pay your credit card bill by the current due date until the date change is finalized.
Q: How do you change your credit card’s due date?
By contacting your credit card company, you may be able to alter the due date of your monthly statement. You can change the due date of your credit card by
- calling their customer service number or,
- Logging into your online account.
Q: How Often Can You Change Your Credit Card Due Date?
The card company may limit you to changing your due date once every 90 days. Remember that you may need to meet other eligibility requirements to take advantage of this credit card benefit. Accounts that are 30 days late or in default, for instance, may not be qualified for a due date change. For more information on terms and conditions, contact your credit card company.
